Born: 26 May 1926 · Died: 28 September 1991 · Age at death: 65
How old was Miles Davis when he died?
Miles Davis died aged 65. He was born on 26 May 1926 and died on 28 September 1991.
Influential jazz trumpeter and composer
Did you know?He was a talented painter and his original artwork was featured on the covers of several of his later albums.
Quick facts
Date of birth26 May 1926
Date of death28 September 1991
Age at death65
Cause of deathStroke, pneumonia
NationalityAmerican
BirthplaceAlton, United States
Occupationcomposer, trumpeter, bandleader
Editor's Take:
Miles Davis never stood still. Each time jazz settled into a style, he moved on, often taking younger musicians with him. His sound was spare and moody, leaving space between the notes. Kind of Blue, recorded mostly in first takes, still draws new listeners every year. Later he plugged in and mixed jazz with rock and funk, angering purists. He could be difficult and cruel, and he struggled with addiction. His influence on modern music is enormous.
Key Milestones
1945: Joins Charlie Parker's band
1949: Records the Birth of the Cool sessions
1959: Releases Kind of Blue
1970: Releases Bitches Brew
Miles Dewey Davis III (May 26, 1926 – September 28, 1991) was an American trumpeter, bandleader, composer, and painter. He is among the most influential and acclaimed figures in the history of jazz and 20th-century music.
